Medieval Literature, 1100-1500

The literature of Western Europe, studied principally in modern English translation. Topics taken up might be courtly love or fin amor, chivalry and courtliness, the rise of mercantile and artisanal identities, and devotional practices. Genres taken up might include epic and romance, lyric, drama, and religious writing; authors might include Marie de France, the Pearl poet, John Gower, William Langland, Margery Kempe, and Julian of Norwich.